“Inochi Kagayaku(Shining Life)” is now part of a permanent exhibition at the MIKIMOTO Main Store in Ginza.
“Inochi Kagayaku(Shining Life)” is based on the pearl oyster and the shining blue seas of Ise-Shima.
The form is of an abstracted pearl oyster shell, and the bottom has been treated with a sparkling jewel cut.
The Kirikane pattern was created by combining the protruding exterior form of the pearl oyster with the traditional Japanese wave pattern and the letter “M” for Mikimoto. Circular cuts of gold foil were added to symbolize the pearls and sea foam and accentuate the piece.
When the founder of MIKIMOTO, Kōkichi Mikimoto first succeeded in farming pearl oysters, he created the half round pearl, which was adhered to the shell. The half-circles carved into the piece from the back are a tribute to the origins of MIKIMOTO. The pearl area has purposely been given a matte treatment in order to recreate the soft glow of a pearl.
Please stop by at MIKIMOTO if visiting Tokyo to view the piece.
“Inochi Kagayaku(Shining Life)”
Appeared in“KATEIGAHO”, June 2017 Issue /Photo by Naruyasu